London agent calls for boards to be licensed

News Category: Industry News

A leading London agent has called for licence fees to be payable in return for being allowed to use boards.

Richard Barber’s comments follow the end of a 15-year ban on agency boards in protected areas of Westminster and Chelsea.

In the outcry that has followed, residents have called for a blanket ban of all boards throughout central London. 

Barber, partner in central London estate agency WA Ellis, said he accepted that boards are regarded as a blight by many. 

And he warned of “a return to the situation that existed in the early nineties when some buildings (normally those in multiple occupation) were peppered with agents’ boards regardless of whether there was a flat for sale in the building or not”.

He said: “Unless there is regulation which is effectively and vigorously policed, the unscrupulous will bend the rules to everyone’s detriment.”

Barber went on: “Self-regulation is not an option. There are effectively just two choices:  a complete ban or rigorous enforcement of strict guidelines punishable by substantial financial penalties. 

“If a licence fee were paid for each board erected, wardens could be employed to police the borough and fine any miscreants.”

But he added: “It would be a shame to lose this valuable marketing tool which is of benefit to so many because of the selfishness of a few.”


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